Proceeds from the Blue Jean Gala help ensure the continuation and growth of the Old Town School’s community ventures, financial aid, and education programs. You do not need to be in attendance at the Blue Jean Gala to participate!
Each bidder submits a bid(s) without knowing others' bids. The highest bidder wins the item.
Please click the 'Register and Bid on an Item' button at the top of this email to bid on any of the items below. Bidding closes at 8:00 PM on September 20, 2024. Winners will be notified via email or text at that time.
Sealed bid auction items include a guitar signed by Lyle Lovett, concerts, dining experiences, and more!
Please contact Anita O'Connell with any questions at aoconnell@oldtownschool.org or 773-751-3365.
Find your inner rockstar right here at Old Town School!
Minimum Bid: $3,800
The iconic Lyle Lovett is the newest member of Old Town School’s Blue Jean Gala family. After an unforgettable concert, you and a guest will be whisked away for an intimate meet and greet with the star. As a bonus, Lyle has signed a beautiful Collings CJ-45 T guitar to commemorate the occasion. This is a show-stopping opportunity for a show-stopping evening - - an experience you’ll never forget!
Must be a Blue Jean Gala ticket holder to participate in the meet & greet. Package pending artist approval.
Minimum Bid: $8,995
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind house concert where master musician Michael J. Miles takes you on a musical journey sharing his wealth of stories about the Old Town School and his longtime friend, Pete Seeger. In addition to being a renowned specialist in banjo and guitar, Mr. Miles is a composer, writer and former Program Director at the School (1984-1998), as well as the principal architect for the educational initiatives that have put Old Town School on the map.
This is the perfect item for all musical history buffs and lovers of classic folk music.
Offered by Michael J. Miles (Some restrictions apply, mutually agreed upon date, valid thru September 1, 2025)
Minimum Bid: $1,000
It’s a musical dream come true: a private concert for you and friends – at your place – with Old Town School and Chicago fan-favorites Sons of the Never Wrong.
Sons of the Never Wrong - a trio comprised of master musicians Sue Demel, Deborah Maris Lader and Bruce Roper - have been gracing stages for over 30 years with their incredible, original, witty, whimsical songs, signature 3-part harmonies and gorgeous arrangements. Combining influences of folk, jazz, pop and rick, their odd-ball humor and spontaneous stories ignite the audiences at their live shows and have earned them a cult-like international following.
(Some restrictions apply, mutually agreed upon date, valid through December 31, 2025.)
Minimum Bid: $2,500
Keep the magic of the Blue Jean Gala with you by reliving some of your favorite moments!
Minimum Bid: $1,800
Are you a huge fan of Old Town School concerts? Take the stress out of deciding which concerts to attend and enjoy them all with two (2) complimentary prime seats to any Old Town School of Folk Music concert from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The winning bidder will also receive VIP pre-sale ordering benefits throughout the year. Plus, enjoy your favorite Old Town School concerts from the comforts of your own named seat! Permanently add your name to the history of Old Town School of Folk Music's Gary and Laura Maurer Hall with an engraved nameplate on the back of a seat. Don't miss your chance to have your name be a part of Old Town Schools’ rich history
Restrictions and limitations do apply (Offer valid for a maximum of 40 tickets; benefit concerts, Songs of Good Cheer, offsite events and fundraisers do not apply. Seat naming and placement based on availability).
Minimum bid: $3,000
Autographed Cubs memorabilia, game tickets and a one night stay at Hotel Zachary!
(Restrictions apply and tickets and hotel stay based on availability). Offered by Marquee Development
Minimum Bid: $1,000
The lead singer and guitarist from the iconic rock band Pearl Jam signed this beautiful Martin T1K Koa Tenor Ukulele before his most recent concert at Wrigley Field in August 2024. Vedder has referred to the ukulele as an “activist instrument” and the inspiration behind his second solo album Ukulele Songs released in 2011. Since the mid-1990’s when Vedder first picked up a ukulele at a Hawaiian convenience store, this instrument has served as his muse, traveling companion and songwriting tool. Let this beautiful Hawaiian koa ukulele signed by Vedder help you on your musical journey!
Minimum bid: Priceless
Be the coolest neighbor on your block next summer by offering up:
(Some restrictions apply, mutually agreed upon date, valid through September 20, 2025)
Minimum Bid: $3,500
Offered by Magellan
Minimum Bid: $3,600
Oscar and Grammy award winning artist, acclaimed musician, composer, and producer T Bone Burnett will be gracing our very own Maurer Hall stage for the first time on October 19th and 20th, 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to hear T Bone Burnett with 2 tickets to the 10/20/24 concert, meet him after the show and bring home this beautiful Gretsch G5230T Nick 13 Signature Electromatic®️ Tiger Jet™️ with Bigsby®️ guitar signed by T Bone himself!
Minimum bid: $1,000
Enjoy a private three hour reception for 40 guests in The Warbler’s beautiful outdoor garden with access to an exclusive indoor space. Enjoy customized passed appetizers, food stations along with an open bar that includes a full selection of Warbler specialty cocktails, beer and wine. Add in an Old Town School musician and you’ve got a party that you and your guests will never forget!
(Some restrictions apply and mutually agreed upon dates. Valid Sunday through Thursdays from May 1 to September 30, 2025).
Minimum bid: $3,500
You and up to seven friends will enjoy a customized series of four (4) Old Town School of Folk Music signature workshops. Each workshop will include an hour of instruction with one of Old Town Schools’ renowned teaching artists. Choose from guitar, voice, songwriting, dance, harmonica, percussion, and more. Expand your skills in one area or bring family and friends together to make each day a different experience. Come explore Old Town School and discover your newest passion.
(Workshops will be scheduled at any time of your choice, balanced with teacher and potential room availability. Mutually agreed upon dates, valid thru October 1, 2025).
Minimum Bid: $900
Please contact Anita O'Connell at aoconnell@oldtownschool.org with any questions.